In a devastating turn of events, a solemn event commemorating the fourth anniversary of the death of former Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani turned into a scene of horror as two bombs exploded, claiming the lives of over 100 people. The incident occurred at Soleimani's gravesite in Kerman, where thousands of Iranians had gathered to honor the late military leader.

According to local authorities, the first explosion took place just 700 meters from Soleimani's grave, followed by another blast a kilometer away. Reports from Iranian national media indicated that the attacks were the result of terrorist acts, with the bombs being remotely detonated from suitcases.

Terrifying video footage shared online depicted the chaos and panic that ensued, as the crowd scrambled to safety and emergency crews rushed to the scene. Tragically, bodies could be seen strewn on the ground, highlighting the magnitude of the devastating incident.

The timing of the second explosion, occurring approximately 15 minutes after the first, raised concerns about a deliberate tactic often employed by terrorist groups to target emergency responders and maximize casualties. A senior White House official remarked that the method used in the attack bore resemblance to previous actions carried out by ISIS.

As the death toll climbed rapidly on Wednesday morning, the head of Kerman's emergency services confirmed that it had reached 103 by 10 a.m. EST. Gholam Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, Iran's head of judiciary, reacted swiftly, vowing to find and punish those responsible for the heinous act. The search for evidence and perpetrators has been entrusted to intelligence, security, and law enforcement agencies in collaboration with the judiciary.

The incident has left Iran grappling with the possibility of multiple enemies being behind the attack, including exile groups, militant organizations, and state actors. Iran's support for Hamas, Hezbollah, and Yemen's Houthi rebels, all involved in ongoing conflicts with Israel, raises the specter of potential retaliation.

Qassem Soleimani, revered by many as a national hero, also carried a tainted reputation due to his involvement in providing support to armed groups responsible for attacks on US troops using roadside bombs. His death in a drone strike authorized by then-President Donald Trump in 2020 has continued to spark backlash and widespread protests against the United States.

As the investigation into the terrorist attack unfolds, tensions remain high, with US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper emphasizing the commitment to protect American forces and preemptively respond to any threats. The tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the enduring impact Soleimani's death has had on diplomatic relations and regional stability.

This latest act of violence, targeting a memorial event meant to pay respects to a national figure, underscores the need for heightened security measures and a concerted international effort to combat terrorism in all its forms. The loss of over 100 lives is a stark reminder of the inexcusable human cost of such malicious acts.